Joe Bushkin, who died in November 2004, was a legend. He was a pianist, composer, arranger, and singer of exceptional talent and impeccable taste. He has been a professional musician for more than 70 years. He started playing at 15 with Bunny Berigan, Eddie Condon, and Benny Goodman. He was a leader and wrote Frank Sinatra’s first hit song “Oh! When they were playing with Tommy Dorsey’s band and as Bing Crosby’s last musical director, he also played on his final recording session. He also wrote songs that were recorded by Nat “King” Cole, Louis Armstrong, Louis Jordan, the Andrews Sisters and Louis Jordan. Bushkin, who served in WWII’s Army Air Corps, became a popular performer in New York City’s nightclubs, often appearing on television and radio in the late 40’s or 50’s. Joe enjoyed a long and successful recording career. He appeared on numerous studio sessions and recorded dozens of albums as a lead singer. Eight of his popular “mood” albums with full orchestra, recorded for Capital Records in 1950’s, are some of the most successful Jazz albums. He was also able to act on Broadway in Garson Kin’s The Rat Race. Later, he reprised his role in the Hollywood film version. Joe Bushkin’s exuberant style of playing the piano was born in the early days of American Jazz. He raised the roof at every club and concert hall that was fortunate enough to have one of his rare performances. Perhaps the best accolade was delivered by Frank Sinatra, who commented that “one of the things I missed most about leaving Tommy Dorsey’s band was the piano playing of Joe Bushkin!” from http://www.joebushkin.com
